I've been really impressed with how good the HBO GO app is. It's well-designed, easy to use, really comprehensive (you could have easily imagined them just offering a subset of episodes or shows), and has a few really nice touches, like if you start watching a show on one device and then have to stop it'll pick right up where you left off if you start watching again on a different device.
It's easy to see why HBO restricts usage of the app to subscribers. They simply don't want to mess up the relationship they have with the cable companies from which they derive the vast majority of their revenue. That said, I have heard a lot of people who aren't HBO subscribers, many of whom don't even have cable, who say that if given the option they would totally pay a monthly fee to get access to the HBO GO app.
So my question is, would you pay for HBO GO if you could? If so, how much would you feel comfortable paying?
It feels like an easy $5 or $10 a month for me, but I know that just signing up for HBO itself usually costs more than that, so even if they somehow were able to convince the cable companies to not freak out and let them offer HBO GO to people who don't subscribe to HBO proper, my gut feeling is that they'd probably try to charge more than that.
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Poll: Would you pay for HBO GO if given the option? And if so, how much would you pay?
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peter's pick
I'd definitely pay for HBO GO. Also, if HBO Go were to cost ~$10, but only include HBO original content (so not including access to the movies they're licensed to and show on their network), I'd be all over it.
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peter's pick
I would do $8.00 a month in a heartbeat but I need to have it on AppleTV or Airplay compatible. I would go $10.00 if we could have a family plan where each of us get our own login and our own preferences but discounted because we all reside in the same house. In fact Netflix should do that too!
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community pick
If I could stream to my Apple TV 2 via Airplay, I would easily pay $10 a month for it.
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I would pay $15 a month (what I'm paying now), conditional upon the fact that the app would allow me to output content to the TV. Currently, when we hook up the iPad via AirPlay, we only get sound and no picture. Then I would cancel my cable subscription.
That being said, here's another question... Can HBO survive losing the support of the cable companies and going full-on app? I wonder if maybe they wouldn't come out on top with an a la carte system!
That being said, here's another question... Can HBO survive losing the support of the cable companies and going full-on app? I wonder if maybe they wouldn't come out on top with an a la carte system!
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In terms of what it offered through HBO Go vs HBO subscriptions over cable/satellite there are some significant differences. HBO Go offers on-demand access to the huge catalog of HBO-produced series and movies.
Buying and renting HBO series through iTunes or Amazon video costs typically $20-$36 per series.
HBO cable and satellite feeds, on the other hand, include numerous HD feeds and more "filler" movies and shows that may not be included with HBO Go. The fees for HD feeds are, however, somewhat coupled with other HD fees to the carriers.
HBO costs an incremental $15 when ordered with most cable and satellite providers. I don't see any way HBO would charge less than that for non-subscribers. Dreams of bargain rates for HBO's truly premium content are naive. Unless HBO would get to keep a larger share of the subscription fee (which would not be the case with Apple's cut on iOS for example) there is little incentive for HBO to drive "cable cutting" by offering bargain prices.
It is, however, clearly in HBO's interest to "track" the progress of migration to internet streaming though through value added features like HBO Go.
Buying and renting HBO series through iTunes or Amazon video costs typically $20-$36 per series.
HBO cable and satellite feeds, on the other hand, include numerous HD feeds and more "filler" movies and shows that may not be included with HBO Go. The fees for HD feeds are, however, somewhat coupled with other HD fees to the carriers.
HBO costs an incremental $15 when ordered with most cable and satellite providers. I don't see any way HBO would charge less than that for non-subscribers. Dreams of bargain rates for HBO's truly premium content are naive. Unless HBO would get to keep a larger share of the subscription fee (which would not be the case with Apple's cut on iOS for example) there is little incentive for HBO to drive "cable cutting" by offering bargain prices.
It is, however, clearly in HBO's interest to "track" the progress of migration to internet streaming though through value added features like HBO Go.
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Yes. Likely $4.99 a month. Too few shows to justify a Netflix style price of $7.99.
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13 people like this answer
I'm a cable-cutter who pays $8 for Netflix, $8 for Hulu, and I'd gladly pay $8 for HBO to round things out. $24/month still comes in well below what the cable companies are expecting today.
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I'd say about $8 a month, and another $8 for the ESPN app as well, but both have to be usable through AppleTV and video out cables.
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It's cute how everyone is willing to pay HBO less than HBO gets from current subscribers. You may think the relevant price point is sub-$8, because streaming video is streaming video, isn't it? But HBO's original content is superior to just about anything on Netflix. And HBO knows that a $5 streaming subscription that can be played on a big screen via Apple TV would cannibalize its existing subscriber base. Ultimately, the value of a service to you as an individual is irrelevant. The market price of an HBO subscription is $15, and HBO has signed up millions of cable subscribers at that rate. So the question isn't what would you pay, but whether you'd be interested if HBO Go was available for $20 a month.
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6 people like this answer
$5, for $7.99 (Hulu) I can alot of content, so I can't see paying more for HBO
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5 people like this answer
I would easily pay $10 a month for HBO GO. It would be awesome if they could roll the service into the Netflix service though. I'd still pay extra, but having all my content in one place could definitely seal the deal.
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5 people like this answer
No.
I cut the cord in 2008, I get OTA broadcasts, and all my other content from other online sources. As long as providers insist on linking paid old media subscriptions with their new offerings, I will continue to get my content via other means. I miss some sports, but not enough to force me back into their ridiculous, racket pricing.
I cut the cord in 2008, I get OTA broadcasts, and all my other content from other online sources. As long as providers insist on linking paid old media subscriptions with their new offerings, I will continue to get my content via other means. I miss some sports, but not enough to force me back into their ridiculous, racket pricing.
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5 people like this answer
I'd pay up to $10, half of what cable charges for it.
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4 people like this answer
I don't want to pay a subscription for TV at all, I want to pay for the shows I watch. I would pay a bit more if I could avoid having to watch commercials. I am not sure what the price should be per show but I think $0.50 or less and a discount if you watch a lot of shows.
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3 people like this answer
$5 for HBO GO, $8 for Netflix, $10 for something else...pretty soon you're up to the cost of a cable subscription! Cable should work on a la carte pricing via any medium.
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The cost to content ratio vs. Netflix or Hulu would put it in the 2.99 a month range. Too few shows that interest me on HBO.
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3 people like this answer
I won't sign up for HBO,if I could get HBO Go for $5.00 a month I'd pay for it but NO MORE than that. I would only use it everyone once in awhile, why pay full fees for something you won't use frequently?
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3 people like this answer
I would easily pay $15/mo to access HBO original content. I understand why the major studios would not allow their content to appear in the app. Nonetheless, HBO is in charge of their original content and could support an app for non-television subscribers through a monthly fee. I think it's only a matter of time before HBO realizes the money they're leaving on the table by not making this app available to anyone willing to pay a monthly fee.
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I would pay up to $15 a month as long as they were open to an app atmosphere. I would love to have it on Boxee/Apple TV/PS3. It should be as simple to watch as Netflix or Hulu Plus is now
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I already pay for hbo from time warner but can't get hbo go :( I wouldn't pay twice but would prefer it on my cable box if I had to choose one.
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No, I wouldn't pay for the service. That isn't a criticism of the quality of the app or programming it provides, just a reflection of my personal taste. Television isn't my primary form of entertainment.
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Absolutely, no doubt about it. Considering that HBO is about $10 a month through regular cable, I'd be willing to pay $10 to $15 for the service.
I personally think it would be a smart move if they started providing services online. In order to keep the cable companies happy, I could see them charging a higher fee than what it costs to get HBO through cable. It would certainly be more profitable for them, as I know a lot of people who are asking friends who have eligible HBO Go service for accounts.
I personally think it would be a smart move if they started providing services online. In order to keep the cable companies happy, I could see them charging a higher fee than what it costs to get HBO through cable. It would certainly be more profitable for them, as I know a lot of people who are asking friends who have eligible HBO Go service for accounts.
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2 people like this answer
I would consider this if the quality was on par with Netflix HD and available via Roku/PS3/Xbox. I think the price though would be some where in the $15 range though since most cable companies charge 12-15 just for HBO.
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oh they wont do it any time soon but when more and more folks cut the cable and tell the cable companies they have had enough of being overcharged and being forced to watch inane commercials and not be given the option to design the package they want HBO and the other premium channels will get clued in and offer up their premium content in the $8 to $15 range they'd be stupid not to....
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HBO only costs $12 on my system and I get GO free, maybe willing to pay $5 tops for just GO.
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2 people like this answer
I'd pay $10 a month to have access to the HBO Boxing, Game of Thrones and other good HBO content..
Be nice if it was available as a subscription on my Vizio VIA TV, like Netflix, VUDU and Hulu, but I'd settle for an ipad app mirrored to my HDTV through my ATV2
Be nice if it was available as a subscription on my Vizio VIA TV, like Netflix, VUDU and Hulu, but I'd settle for an ipad app mirrored to my HDTV through my ATV2
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I would pay for HBO GO if I didn't have to be a cable HBO subscriber. In fact, I'm willing to pay for ala carte shows... I am willing to pay $30 for Game of Thrones season 1 or $2-$3 each episode of whatever original programming HBO currently has and their past shows.
As for movies... I'm willing to pay $5-$9 a month ala netflix.. but they should have content not found in Netflix.. otherwise, I'll just stick to the per show purchase through HBO..
As for movies... I'm willing to pay $5-$9 a month ala netflix.. but they should have content not found in Netflix.. otherwise, I'll just stick to the per show purchase through HBO..
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I would pay up to $10 a month. A per series season pass would be an option too. This is revenue that HBO would not see otherwise as I am not a subscriber.
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That's why I think this whole nonsense about a la carte pricing is crazy talk. Content companies get subsidized by the cable companies on top of their advertising. In the case of HBO, no advertising = total costs/profit passed onto subscribers.
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HBO GO is pretty awesome if you can get it. At first I didn't care for the service since I needed to have a cable account to sign in but when Game of Thrones had an episode on HBO GO a week early I frantically signed in to watch. I was very surprise how great the quality was. Having used it I feel it is worth paying for.
I'd like a few different service choices. First a flat month by moth rate where I can choose to watch and service stops at the end of 30 or so days. Month by month rate: $7. Second a yearly package with discount: $5 a month, $60 for the year. Lastly, a Netflix add on. I have Netflix and pay $8 a month. I' d like the HBO GO or just HBO content inside my Netflix for a one stop viewing service. Netflix add on: $2 to $5 a month. I'd like $2 a month if not just have the HBO content inside my Netflix for nothing more.
If I could have one price it would be $5 a month.
I'd like a few different service choices. First a flat month by moth rate where I can choose to watch and service stops at the end of 30 or so days. Month by month rate: $7. Second a yearly package with discount: $5 a month, $60 for the year. Lastly, a Netflix add on. I have Netflix and pay $8 a month. I' d like the HBO GO or just HBO content inside my Netflix for a one stop viewing service. Netflix add on: $2 to $5 a month. I'd like $2 a month if not just have the HBO content inside my Netflix for nothing more.
If I could have one price it would be $5 a month.
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Probably would pay $10 a month if HBO GO was available on many devices like Netflix is.
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I would totally pay for this, or for a 5-10$ premium through a service like Netflix for HBO content. I'm glad you are taking this poll, and I hope the folks at HBO are reading this!
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hells yeah. i'd pay $20 a month, just to avoid a) having to give cablevision ANY money and b) to not have to deal with torrents
if content providers made content as accessible as hulu and netflix do (and charged a reasonable amount like hulu and netflix) they'd do a lot of combat piracy.
if content providers made content as accessible as hulu and netflix do (and charged a reasonable amount like hulu and netflix) they'd do a lot of combat piracy.
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$10 a month sounds fine to me too. I don't have cable, but don't have a problem paying the hulu plus (8 bucks a month) + Netflix streaming (8 more bucks) and also add that...It's about 25 dollars for all that content. Who needs cable when all that programming is at your disposal?
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Yes. it would be the right step towards an a la carte system.
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I would definitely pay for it. In fact, it would be great if they had 2 levels of services. One with movies and one with just their original content. I don't want to pay for HBO on cable because I don't care about the movies. However, I don't want to wait until the end of the season for a show like Real Time with Bill Maher to appear on iTunes. With their current arrangement they are pushing people to download illegally (indirectly).
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Maybe. This invites a bigger question though: How many online apps/services are you willing to pay $5-10/mo for?
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No to HBO, but YES to al la carte TV. I'm not interested in HBO shows, but I already pay $15/ month for FoxSoccer.TV. I'd also like to get all the ESPN channels on my computer attached to my big screen and my iPad, and would pay another $15 for them. I get all the "regular" TV I need over the air, but I sometimes have to go to a bar for sports (mainly soccer). Content providers and distributers (cable, satellite, etc) could make a lot more money if they went to a low attachment fee ($10-$20/mo) and per channel or small packages of channels a la carte. Don't cut the cord -- just shrink the packages!
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Consumer groups lobbied the US Congress a few years ago to force the cable/satellite providers to offer ala carte programming, but it failed - as the cable lobby was much stronger. I cut the cable last year when my cable/broadband bill increased nearly 100% from $120/mo to $228/mo. Remember: a person can only watch one program/movie/channel at a time, and most people watch 25-30 favorite channels out of 500 or more offered. Watching programming on the internet and mobile devices in today's fast-paced society is increasing, driving up the demand for ala carte and on-demand programming at a consumer-friendly, economical price. HBO, ESPN, et al. should follow the wonderfully successful model Netflix has created and end the cable/satellite monopoly that is gouging consumers wallets.
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Yes definitely! I would pay for the app is if were $5 a month no questions asked. I would also pay if it were $7.99 like Netflix mainly because almost all of HBO's content is fantastic nowadays. They invest so much into their shows and have just done such an amazing job at producing fantastic content.
It's about time that the big guys in the entertainment industry start to offer their services a la carte. I dream of the day that I can just go to my cable provider and pay only for the channels I WANT! I absolutely loathe channel surfing and the reality tv epidemic. It worries me how popular shows like Finding Bigfoot are and the sheer amount of game shows and American Idol clones that can come out.
Sadly, I liken the entertainment industry to a room full of 2nd graders. They are just grasping the aspect of sharing their blocks, yet they still want to huddle off in a corner and play alone. If you want a piece of what they have, give them some cookies, or tell on them to the teacher and they'll have to play nice.
It's about time that the big guys in the entertainment industry start to offer their services a la carte. I dream of the day that I can just go to my cable provider and pay only for the channels I WANT! I absolutely loathe channel surfing and the reality tv epidemic. It worries me how popular shows like Finding Bigfoot are and the sheer amount of game shows and American Idol clones that can come out.
Sadly, I liken the entertainment industry to a room full of 2nd graders. They are just grasping the aspect of sharing their blocks, yet they still want to huddle off in a corner and play alone. If you want a piece of what they have, give them some cookies, or tell on them to the teacher and they'll have to play nice.
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As long as they offered 720p, I'd pay $30/mo for USA, FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, SciFi, AMC, Comedy Central, CNN and TNT, plus $5/mo each for HBO and Showtime.
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Absolutely I would pay $5 or $10 a month for this! HBO is missing the boat by not offering this. These would be "new" customers, revenue that they don't currently have. Hell they could even share this revenue with the cable companies if they need to. I doubt that the majority of current subscribers to HBO would cancel their subscriptions in favor of this mobile only option, if given the opportunity. Perhaps that's another good question to pose to the audience. If you're a current cable HBO subscriber, would you cancel your current subscription and only pay for HBO GO?
You're right that it's all because of their relationship with the cable companies. HBO would do this in a heartbeat if the cable companies would "allow" it.
Cable companies are the new newspapers, meaning their traditional subscription model is (will be) in peril and will inevitably crumble, let's see if they handle it any better than the newspaper industry did, I vote probably not.
You're right that it's all because of their relationship with the cable companies. HBO would do this in a heartbeat if the cable companies would "allow" it.
Cable companies are the new newspapers, meaning their traditional subscription model is (will be) in peril and will inevitably crumble, let's see if they handle it any better than the newspaper industry did, I vote probably not.
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Yes, I would totally do this. I would also like to see other channels go a-la-carte like this as well. I would pay a few bucks for Discovery, TruTV and some other channels so I can watch it without cable and pay for the other 800 channels that I do not watch! I hope this comes through!
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I think $10 per month would be my upper limit, in many cable plans HBO is about $15 per month, and as good as the app is, you can't play on your TV, but I think with the limits and the pricing of Netflix something like $4.99 is more fair. Let it play on HDMI out and $10 is fair as you will only get 720p.
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Hands down $10.... Aye maybe even $12. But only if I can use the HBO subscription on more than one device
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We still have cable, so HBO (22 extra channels + access to HBO Go) would only cost us an extra $12 a month. So I think $10 for just HBO Go might be a bit much for people who already have cable; people who don't have a cable subscription would probably find $10 more fair since they don't have the added cost of basic cable and assorted fees. For people who already have basic cable (and don't have HBO), I can't see charging more than $5.
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As I already pay for HBO I would probably not pay for HBO GO. I like the idea of having it as a perk of my current subscription, and have been using it for a few days now. I see all these people throwing around a $10-$15 dollar a month price and I wonder how people feel that this is worth almost double the current Netflix $7.99 streaming subscription. The HBO GO app will likely never contain all the content that a multi sourced app could. If I were to cut the cord in my household, I would be willing to pay for HBO GO, but there is no way I would go any more than $8-$10 dollars a month, I just don't see it being worth any more. This all begs the question though, if you "cut the cord" to save money, but then go out and pay for Netflix, HBO GO, Hulu+, and any others, how much are you really saving?
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I'd only pay for if it cost about the same ($5/month) and I could drop the cable sub.
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$5 per month for me. the service is competing with netflix at $8, as noted by others.
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Yup...about $5/month would be my comfort zone. Add the ability to stream to Roku and/or AppleTV and I might bump up to $10.
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I would pay $5 to $10 per month if AirPlay was enabled. To keep the cable companies happy maybe they could release each series to HBO GO as the series ended on the cable provider.
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I would consider $5/month, especially since it not only works on iOS devices, it works through Boxee Box.
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